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The PHAA/DLSPH Alumni-Student Mentorship Program aims to seed the culture of collaboration among the next generation of public health professionals with the ultimate goal of extending public health’s impact locally, nationally and globally.

DLSPH/PHAA Alumni-Student Mentorship Program

We are no longer accepting Student Mentee applications for the 2024 program. The deadline to submit an application was January 21, 2024.


As public health professionals, we are keenly aware of the vast importance of building partnerships and sharing knowledge. This program is a joint collaboration between Dalla Lana School of Public Health and the Public Health Alumni Association

The program provides professional and personal development opportunities to both 1st year Master’s students and alumni. Mentors are matched with current 1st year graduate students based on program stream and shared areas of interest.

What can students expect from the program?

  • Being matched with an alum in your field
  • Meet virtually with your mentor to discuss career goals ​and gain advice
  • Expand your professional network
  • Exclusive access to mentorship program events
  • Gain useful advice regarding career and courses or practica, build networking contacts, and develop a general “feel” for work in their areas of interest.

Alumni mentors benefit from opportunities to stay current on educational offerings in their respective field, connect with other mentors, and engage with the School’s talented students and help them to prepare for a meaningful career in public health. The PHAA and the DLSPH support mentorship pairs in this process.

The program takes place over ten months, from February to November of each year.

Mentorship and committee membership opportunities

The Mentorship Program Committee is always looking for engaged and experienced alumni to be mentors and committee members. Being a mentor allows alumni to share their experience, knowledge, and passion for public health with a current student. Mentor applications for the Mentorship Program are due at the beginning of January.

Participating in the committee provides a unique opportunity to get to know both DLSPH students and alumni, and to contribute to the mentoring process. Committee responsibilities include mentor and mentee recruitment, the matching process, and planning program events.

Please contact the Co-chairs Sarah Ko practicum.dlsph@utoronto.ca or Gabriella Luongo public.health@alumni.utoronto.ca for more information!